The Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Sunday denounced the unjust vilification aimed at the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi by Peter Obi and other detractors.

Obi and his supporters had openly criticised the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, being handled by Umahi, saying it was a waste of public resources.

Ohanaeze, in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the body stood resolute amidst the storm of baseless attacks and unwarranted criticism unleashed upon the Lagos Calabar Coastal Road and the visionary efforts of Umahi.

It said the cacophony of disparagement and negative fervour surrounding these transformative initiatives raised eyebrows and prompts reflections on the true motives behind such aggression; clearly not in the interest of the Nigerian people.

“In response to the recent controversies clouding the Lagos Calabar Coastal Project, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally denounces the unjust vilification aimed at Senator Dave Umahi by Peter Obi and other detractors.

“Setting the records straight, Ohanaeze calls for private dialogue and constructive engagements rather than resorting to public confrontations that could impede the much-needed infrastructural development in the Southeast.

“The recent expressed interest by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in reconstructing major federal highways in the Southeast is a monumental step towards remedying decades of neglect, exemplified by ongoing projects like the Markudi-Nsukka-Nightmile-Enugu,the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Calabar Expressway and others, enabled by innovative Cement Technology,” the body said.

Ohanaeze urged Obi to seek diplomacy and engage privately with Umahi to gain firsthand insights into critical national development projects.

The organization stressed the importance of fostering respectful dialogue and discouraged actions that could sow discord among the Igbo community and Nigerians at large.

The body said it is privy to intelligence reports debunking the baseless arrest rumours swirling around Obi, dismissing these as spurious fabrications propagated by malicious elements seeking to undermine the transformative infrastructure strides led by the Tinubu administration under the able stewardship of Umahi.

“It is imperative for Peter Obi to refrain from public acrimony towards Senator Dave Umahi, a stalwart of progress and development in Nigeria and the Southeast, in recognition of the monumental efforts by President Tinubu and Umahi to rectify longstanding infrastructural deficits in the region.

“The Southeast craves an infrastructural revolution that transcends political affiliations, cherishing progress over petty opposition accolades,” Ohanaeze stated.

“The Southeast craves an infrastructural revolution that transcends political affiliations, cherishing progress over petty opposition accolades,” Ohanaeze stated.

Ohanaeze emphasised its clarion call for unity and mutual understanding and reiterated support for the contentious Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, asserting that the shoreline falls under the Federal Government’s Right-of-Way jurisdiction.

“Ohanaeze reaffirms the unwavering solidarity of Nigerians and the Igbo community in championing President Tinubu and Senator Umahi’s laudable efforts in advancing national infrastructure, exemplified by the recent allocation of a 2.75 billion compensation fund for affected property owners along the project’s Right-of-Way.

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering harmonious dialogues, unity, and progress for all Nigerians. The organization echoes a clarion call for collaborative advancement to ensure a prosperous and united Nigeria,” the body said.

Also reported by the Tribune, Guardian and the Independent

Urheadmaster:
This matter should rest already

“The Southeast craves an infrastructural revolution that transcends political affiliations, cherishing progress over petty opposition accolades,” Ohanaeze stated.

jmoore:
Atiku criticized the project but Umahi didn't tell Atiku that he is inciting northerners against Tinubu.

ottersberger:


So, who owns PMnewsnigeria?.

-See Below-

Nuff said!

Slytiger:

How many northerners do you see critisizing the project..but it appears the whole south east (both the educated and the illiterates) are against the project, hence Umahi's statement.

jmoore:

No matter how hypocrites try to hide, they will keep revealing themselves.

Hunger, hardship protests under Tinubulation government have happened in south west and north. None of your hypocrites said Yorubas and Northerners are being incited against Tinubu. South east that decided not to take part in any protest against Tinubulation is one that is being incited.

StOla:


Una don fear for Obi's political future, so time to rest the matter?

Umahi don show you say him self no be small meat for political propaganda.

Slytiger:

Lol. And who owns Guardian newspaper and Ohaeneze themselves. Perhaps, Tinubu owns them all.

wetrlr:
3 things Nigerians must check next time they see a press release tagged "Ohaneze"

1. Okechukwu Isiguzoro is not a member of Ohaneze Ndigbo and has been asked by the group to stop parading himself as a member or representative of Ohaneze.

2. No one has actually seen this man called Okechukwu Isiguzoro

3. The fake personality only uses APC media to publish illegal press release, e-g PM News, thenation and sometimes Vanguard.

The next time he releases any press publication, kindly check and you will always confirm that the media he engages mostly are affiliated with Tinubu. Outright falsehood if you ask me

ottersberger:


You still get mouth talk. We know you band of liars and your evil propaganda. You're busted!
The days when you lying machines used the print media to drive public opinion are history. Little wonder ya'all screamed blue murder when Obidients gave it to you. Una neva see anything. Tell Bayo make him write another nonsense.